It takes more than talent to be a leader. Talent doesn’t make you responsible, diligent, or reliable. Talent can’t make you say what needs to be said in order to get something done. Talent is incredibly important, but it is only part of what matters when it comes to be a leader, and this is just as true in soccer as it is in any other vocation in the world.
Ronaldinho is the best.
At his peak, nobody looked happier while playing so well, and nobody played better while looking so happy.
This joy that he brings to the pitch flows into the rest of his life. It has become his aura.
That's why it's sad to watch his career wind down. We know that one day, the joy will be gone. We won't get to watch it anymore.
With that in mind, here are five moments that will make us miss Ronaldinho when he's gone, but also remember him forever.
Tigres has reached the final of the 2015 Copa Libertadores. Beating one of Brazil's most well-known sides, Internacional, along the way. In what was a spirited match by the Mexican side, Inter could just not cope with Los Felinos in front of a sold out crowd at El Volcan Football Stadium in Nuevo Leon Mexico.
Pele has been released from the hospital in good health after undergoing surgery on his back. He was admitted into the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, after suffering from a trapped nerve.
Rivaldo and his son, the appropriately-named Rivaldinho, both play for Brazilian second division club Mogi Mirim (Rivaldo is also the club's president).
Given that Rivaldo is one of the best players of all-time (he's 43, but still), and Rivaldinho is the progeny of one of the greatest players of all-time, it's not surprising that they should both score in the same game.
Ronaldinho has announced his return to Brazil, where he will likely finish his career.
The former World Player of the Year has signed with Rio de Janeiro-based club Fluminense.
This is Ronaldinho's fourth Brazilian club, having also played for Atletico Mineiro, Gremio and Flamengo. He was briefly thought to have signed with Turkish club Antalyaspor before signing with Fluminense.
The 1990 World Cup in Italy was one of the least beautiful in history. In fact, there are those who consider it the worst of all.
However, it is remembered for the presence of every country to ever win the World Cup until then, and because many of its games were defined by the excitement of shooting from the penalty spot.
Chile has defeated Argentina in the Copa America final to win the first Copa in Chile's history.
The match went to penalties, with Argentina winning the shootout 4-1.
Lionel Messi was the only penalty taker for Argentina to make his shot.
Gonzalo Higuain missed and Ever Banega had a shot saved. Lionel Messi is left without a major trophy with the Argentina National Team.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18 or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus
The talk about the Brazilian national squad going through difficult times in international soccer has returned after the blowout loss against Germany in World Cup semifinals last year at home and the loss to Paraguay in the quarterfinals of this year’s Copa America in penalty kicks.
This evening, live from the Estadio Nacional, in Santiago Chile at 4pm ET there will be football. Today is the Copa America Final.
Chile, the host nation, with everything to prove to themselves and their country; face Lionel Messi and his heavily favored Argentina side. Here's what you need to know about each side.